Treasure sale funds operations for county museum of fine arts

According to Donna Taylor, there are two kinds of people in this world - those who love a good sale and those who don't.

"I'm in the first group," the Hagerstown resident admitted. "Just ask my husband."

Taylor then demonstrated her shopping prowess as she loaded her arms with a basket, a necklace, a small painting and a cup and saucer.

"I'm a pro at this," she said, heading for the cash register.

Taylor was among a large group of people who visited the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts on Saturday for the annual Treasure Sale, hosted by the museum's volunteer association, the Singer Society.

The sale featured thousands of new and used items donated by the community, as well as gift certificates provided by area merchants. All of the items were sold at reduced prices.

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Last year, the sale raised almost $19,000, said society members Cheryl Strong and Carolyn Emerson, who co-chaired the event.

"We're always hoping to improve on that," Strong said.

Proceeds from the sale will be used for the museum's operating funds, Emerson said.

Although the sale was not scheduled to start until 10 a.m., museum director Joseph Ruzicka said people began lining up at 7:15 a.m.

By 11 a.m., about 400 people had passed through the museum's doors, he said.

"This event brings people to the museum who might never come," Ruzicka said. "The sale brings a different audience for us, as well as different operating dollars."

Strong said the fundraiser always receives a great deal of community support.

"We never have a problem finding merchandise, whether it's from the public or area businesses," Strong said. "And we always seem to have good attendance."

Strong said the planning committee began work in May, sending out requests for sale items.

Donations then were stored in the old Goodwill building, where, beginning in October, "everything was priced and tagged," Strong said.

Strong thanked the Ridgeway Investment Co. for donating warehouse space, "because without storage, we would have had big problems."

Items available at the sale ran the gamut from jewelry and quilts to furniture and rugs, all artfully displayed by society members June Risser and Judy Waters throughout several museum galleries.

Inspecting an old spinning wheel, Yvonne Miller of Hagerstown said she has attended the Treasure Sale over the past three years, and always takes home something interesting.

"I may not need what I buy. But it's not about need," Miller said. "It's about finding a great bargain."